Bonjour! It's only been a week and a half since I got to Europe, which seems insane because it feels like I've already seen so much! One of the best reasons to study abroad is to see places different from America, so I thought I'd start writing down the major differences I notice. Of course we've only been in Cannes, where the population is only 70,000 so things could definitely change when we get to Paris.
1. In general people trust one another more in public places. I've seen a lot of French people put their bags down when they enter a store so they can shop easier. In bars people often throw their jackets in a big pile somewhere and don't grab them again until they leave. I left my jacket at a bar one night and went back 4 days later, and it was still there! I would never expect that to happen in America.
2. That being said...pickpockets are much more common here. Our resident director talked about this a lot. You shouldn't keep anything in your back pockets and should have a bag that goes across your body is possible. It's also good to hold onto it and keep it closed at all times, especially in crowded areas and tourist spots. We've all been really careful and had no problems :)
3. Traveling between countries is very relaxed. They don't even make you go through customs a lot of times. We went to Monaco on Sunday, which is an independent country, and we didn't even have to stop the car. I asked a local guy in London the funniest thing about Americans, and he said "isn't it true that half of Americans don't have passports?! That's crazy!!" Totally opposite here since countries are so much smaller and closer together.
4. People don't smile that much. In fact, smiling at a guy as you walk by can be considered coming onto him. Our resident director also talked a lot about that and told us to be careful. This has been hard for me, because I'm used to smiling all the time, and making eye contact with everyone. Here that is not really normal- but people are still really friendly, it's just with different mannerisms. So far I've only experienced a little of the stereotypical rude French attitude..and I think a lot of it is frustration with people who don't speak French, which I understand. I'm trying hard to learn!
5. Other random differences I've seen- Soda is much more expensive and water at restaurants usually isn't free. Stores have two huge sales each year, during the month of January and July. This is the only time they have sales, which is perfect timing for us :) Locals where mostly dark or muted colors. Dogs and cats seem to be allowed everywhere, even if they aren't service animals. I've seen them in stores, restaurants, even up on counters at cafes!
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